As Mobile World Congress quickly approaches major companies are beginning to release news. While predominately a telecom show, Mobile World Congress will also be displaying some of the latest innovations in the machine-to-machine industry. Ericsson will be showcasing a new electric vehicle charging service, while other companies like DoCoMo and Jasper Wireless reveal M2M partnerships. Below are just a few examples of M2M news that will be coming out of MWC[2].

AT&T reveals platform for remote monitoring and automation

AT&T[3] (Dallas, Texas, USA) announced its plans to launch AT&T Digital Life, an IP-based remote monitoring [4]and automation platform to equip global service providers with the capabilities to offer their subscribers customizable, web-based home automation, energy and security services. The platform will enable providers to offer their consumers devices like wireless sensors and cameras that will communicate with a control center inside the home, managed through a web based user interface. Digital Life features licensed software development kits, and other services like hardware certification, application hosting, and technical and integration support.

Ericsson reveals electric vehicle charging for any outlet

Ericsson [5](Stockholm, Sweden) revealed a new architecture that allows drivers to control charging of electric vehicles while they are plugged into any ordinary power outlet. Additionally, the system directs energy costs to the car owners’ bill. The driver sets the time and amount to charge on a console in the car or remotely via a smartphone or tablet. Using the mobile network, the car then communicates with the grid so that charging is scheduled based on energy prices on the grid, reducing user costs. The concept was developed in a consortium involving Volvo Car Corporation, Göteborg Energi, and Viktoria Institute, a non-profit IT research institute. The electric vehicle service uses existing mobile networks and grids, as has the electricity meter in the vehicle which allows control of charging, either immediately or on a schedule set by the driver, with the costs being allocated against the driver’s bill.

DOCOMO, Jasper Wireless partner on M2M connectivity in Japan

Jasper Wireless[6] (Mountain View, Calif., USA), a provider of connected devices for machine-to-machine (M2M) and consumer electronics, announced an agreement with NTT DOCOMO [7](Tokyo) to wirelessly connect machine-to-machine (M2M) and consumer electronics devices across Japan. The Jasper Wireless platform will provide DOCOMO with applications and services to accelerate market entry of new categories of connected devices on its network and connect and manage a range of embedded wireless devices. Jasper Wireless’ ability extends to a variety of M2M connections including but not limited to telematics[8], consumer electronics and m-health[9].

NEC, Transatel form strategic M2M service partnership in Europe

NEC Corporation [10](Tokyo) and Transatel (Paris), an MVNE in Europe, announced the formation of a strategic alliance to explore end-to-end M2M service opportunities for businesses in Europe. The agreement will allow the companies to deploy and operate connectivity management services, including core networks, and to provide end-to-end M2M services for enterprises. Transatel's is an MVNO [11](Mobile Virtual Network Operator), as well as a European MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler).